Machine scanning involves using optical scanning devices to facilitate data input by reading printed data and converting it into computer-readable electronic signals. These optical scanners can be utilized for reading text, graphics, or special marks.
A punch card is an index card with holes punched in predefined positions to represent data or instructions. Widely used in the 1960s for inputting information into computers, punch cards have since become obsolete, replaced by more advanced interactive terminals and input devices.
A scanner is a device capable of reading (scanning) typed characters from paper (hard) copy and automatically transferring this information to a digital format or another medium.
